Election years provide the opportunity to evaluate news media as well as the next prospective president. High schoolers read about the same event in several different news sources, varying in type, origin, and political leaning,...

For many people, Barack Obama's presidency was the next step in Martin Luther King, Jr's dream of America's future. Explore the dreams of Americans past and present, as well as the young Americans in your class, with a set of activities...

Students research the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. In this Gettysburg lesson, students analyze journals and letters written by the Gettysburg soldiers. Students define Civil War soldier vocabulary words. Students compare and...

A good addition to a unit on the War of 1812, this slideshow details causes, specific battles, political contexts, and several campaigns of the war. Maps and pictures with broad topics allow teachers to bring their own discussion topics...

Young scholars are provided an avenue to express his/her understanding of the life skills being taught and connect the life and times of Harry Truman to the life skills being taught for the purpose of adding relevance for each student.

Students explore the basic precepts of American foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students read textbook chapters regarding American foreign policy practices before and after World War II. Students also watch a...

On July 1, 1863 the Army of Northern Virginia, under the command of General Robert E. Lee met the Army of the Potomac, under the leadership of Major General George Meade. Considered the turning point of the war, the Battle of Gettysburg...

“Ich bin ein Berliner.” Here’s the full text of John F. Kennedy’s famous address delivered to the people of Berlin on June 26, 1963. The resource could be used as part of a study of Kennedy’s presidency, of rhetorical devices, or as...

Students analyze the process of Reconstruction after the Civil War.  In this U.S. History lesson, students discuss specific details about Reconstruction with the class, then complete a worksheet with multiple activities reinforcing...

Eleventh graders explore the term Affirmative Action.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders create a presentation that will determine the future of federal affirmative action programs.  Students write a speech that will be...

Looking for ideas on ways to recognize Veteran's Day? Check out this 92-page packet that includes exercises designed for all grade levels. Reading passages detail the history of the holiday, research projects get individuals involved in...

Eleventh graders examine the Dust Bowl in American History.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders read a transcript on the Dust Bowl.  Students analyze a video on the Dust Bowl. 

Ninth graders investigate specific individuals involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and working backward to stories from World War II.  In this US History instructional activity, 9th graders read documents that depict the conflicts...

Eleventh graders examine the evolution of women's rights in America. As they analyze primary documents and discuss historical events, learners determine how Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, Margaret Sanger, and James...

Students examine American foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students research Internet sources to identify and describe foreign policy events that have shaped the United States and examine the role of the United Nations.

In this primary source analysis activity, students analyze a letter from young women in want of CCC jobs of their own during Great Depression. Students respond to 3 short answer questions about the letter to Roosevelt.

Students participate in team-building activities. In this class identity lesson, students participate in activities and discussion that are intended to improve relationships between students.

What rights are guaranteed to students? Do they align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was approved by the United Nations in 1948? Middle and high schoolers present persuasive arguments about the rights they believe...

Students research three specific and relevant events that occurred during a particular presidential period. They research that period, create a multi-media slideshow, and present it to the class.

High schoolers explore economic security at the local and national level during the time period preceding the 2008 presidential election. They fill out surveys on their thoughts and concerns regarding the US economy, and watch...

Students study the Reconstruction Era after the US Civil War. In this Reconstruction lesson set, students examine the problems that were encountered by the South after the Civil War, look at different plans for Reconstruction, and...

Students explore the "death tax" and analyze statistical information about how the government taxes dead people. They research sources to determine the validity of a anti-tax group campaign and John McCain's claims about taxes. ...

Students act as investigative reporters and research battles or events of the War of 1812. They write an original article, which may include a map, drawing, or illustration.

Eleventh graders explore the various roles that Eleanor Roosevelt took on. In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze the views that Eleanor Roosevelt held as an advocate for social justice. Students evaluate her contributions to...